Patent · US Active

Convertible motorized latch

US8403376B2 · kind B2 · utility

32Cited by
10References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 26, 2007
Grant dateMar 26, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 27, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T292/62
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Disclosed is a convertible motorized latch that may be configured in either of a slam latch or a dead bolt latch configuration, just by desired selection and replacement of a minimal number of components, and which may be used on new (oem) equipment or in retrofit applications. In either preferred configuration, an electric motor contained within the latch housing operates to open or unlock the latch. Latch closure may be provided by spring actuation in a slam configuration or by further motor operation in a dead bolt configuration. Either present configuration may make use of an electrical feedback switch for signaling latch retraction while the dead bolt configuration may also include a second electrical feedback switch for signaling latch extension. A gear train may be incorporated within the latch housing to provide reduced speed and increased torque from the electric motor.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.